LIMERICK will complete its National Hurling League programme under the radar with a visit from Wexford to the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday next (7.30pm).
Following the surprise loss away to Kilkenny, Limerick cannot qualify for the Final but are assured of top-flight status for next season.
In sharp contrast, the visitors are, along with title-holders and All-Ireland Champions Clare, already relegated.
The Final will involve Tipperary and the winners from Galway v Cork at the weekend.
Limerick manager John Kiely commented: “Maybe not being in the League Final will allow us actually to put the foot down once we get beyond this weekend, and push on towards the championship and get a bit more substantive work done.”
“I’m actually quite happy at where we’re at overall. We have a lot of really good players that have played very, very well for us. We have a challenge to find the right mix in each line and ultimately the players will make that decision for us through their form in the coming weeks and months.
“We have five weeks now before the Championship (v Tipperary in Thurles, April 20) and that’s a nice block for us, and kicking it off with a game at the weekend will also be a help to us.”
As is the norm at inter-county level, Limerick are to engage in a warm weather training camp for a few days in the coming weeks.
On the injury front, Cathal O’Neill departed early at Nowlan Park with a possible groin issue.
Ahead of the tie, Gearóid Hegarty was an unexpected non-starter.
Explained Kiely: “He has a niggling injury which we are giving time to clear up.”
The boss was positive about the imminent availability of several key players such as Dan Morrissey, Darragh O’Donovan and Declan Hannon, all of whom, he hinted, could be in action against the Model County.
